What's in Your Hands?

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_160827

Moses and his staff. David and his sling. A boy and his small lunch. Dorcas and her needle. The Bible is replete with people who used what was "in their hand" (see Exodus 4:2) to serve the Lord. That is one reason why a key principle of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is honored by the Lord to help people discover how to use local resources for the benefit of their families and communities. Often equipment donated from wealthy nations to needy areas is useless, because people do not know how to use or repair it, nor are parts locally available. Other well-intentioned NGOs give surplus of food and goods which sometimes put local farmers and artisans out of business. Christ has put within each believer a heart of compassion that wants to give. It is our responsibility to also use our heads, reaching out in ways that lift people out of spiritual and physical poverty rather than leaving them feeling inferior and dependent.

Bondoukou, with a population of about 70,000 souls, has a huge problem common in Cote d'Ivoire. There is no regular means of trash removal. Littering

is the norm, and serious diseases like typhoid are a nationwide issue. Over the years, Verlin has experimented with various ways to dispose of trash. This week he and Koffi have worked on a stove that uses local products. Not only can it burn trash, but it can double as a protected wood fire stove, or be reshaped for baking. The heat can inexpensively generate enough energy to recharge electronic device batteries. The design can be adjusted to re-burn air twice, depending on how the flue is placed. Our hope is that once in use, we can share the technology with others. Trash disposal might become a CHE project bringing neighborhoods and villages together, providing another witness of Christ who empowers each of us to serve with what we have in hand.

Prayer and Praise:

• Verlin heads to Abidjan soon to finalize preparations for the CHE training at the university. This year a new person is charged with handling enrollment and paperwork for the event. He is going a bit early to be available to help her. Continue to pray for the trainers as they prepare.
• The Lord is very gracious. He allowed Debbie to be at our mobile home in Cookeville when a water leak developed. Had no one been there, serious, long-term damage would have occurred. We are thankful that the repair is in process, and not nearly as costly since it was discovered quickly.
• We have a Dorcas in our lives who has given us gorgeous quilts over the
  
  years that were perfect to use in Africa. We brought her some material from Africa, and here is the lovely new quilt that now graces our home. Talents of all kinds matter in His kingdom! Thank you, Mary Jo, for blessing not just us, but other missionaries, local shelters, and orphans around the world.
  

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie

Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) is a mission of dedicated medical professionals who participate in the CHE Global Network. Together, in a loose affiliation of individuals, churches, denominational and nondenominational agencies, we share God's Light and Truth through Community Health Evangelism (CHE). Verlin and Debbie accept donor partners to contribute as led to maintain support as we resume residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of CHSC & Ivorian partners. Tax deductible contributions by check are to be made payable to the CHSC with Andersons #0118 written on the memo line. Mail to CHSC - PO Box 132 - Fruitvale, TX 75127. Give online via the CHSC @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last written: Blessing or Curse? Anderson WEEKLY 160820
Last Video: DMM (YouTube) - Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q1 Report: Cloud-of-Witnesses_160806.pdf
2016 Budget: CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 
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